A Bilston-based manufacturer of roll tooling equipment for the metal forming industry has secured its third business award of the year after being crowned Business Growth & Strategy winner for the Midlands and East region at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025.
King’s Award-winning Bowers & Jones picked up the award at Make UK’s regional event which took place at The Slate, University of Warwick.
The Business Growth & Strategy award recognised the company's expansion into export markets and strategic vision since the business was acquired by Jane Sommerville and Nicola Owen in 2020.
The regional win now puts Bowers & Jones in the running for the national title, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in January 2026.
The award celebrates manufacturers who have demonstrated exceptional growth, clear strategic direction and successful navigation of business challenges. Since 2020, Bowers & Jones has more than doubled its turnover, expanded its workforce, and grown its international customer base to more than 300 clients worldwide, with 80 per cent of sales now coming from export markets.
The Make UK judges commented: “This company has shown remarkable resilience, transforming challenges into growth. Through swift strategic changes, it exceeded targets and built an award-winning business with global ambitions. Its success in identifying export markets, strong future plans, and people-first approach impressed judges—making it a standout winner with a clear path to continued growth."
Managing director Jane Sommerville said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition from Make UK. This award reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire team, who have been instrumental in our growth journey.
"Winning at regional level and progressing to the national finals is a proud moment for us as a Black Country manufacturer. It demonstrates that with the right strategy, team, and dedication, businesses can thrive even in challenging times."
The win marks the third business award for Bowers & Jones this year, following wins at the Express & Star Business Awards, where they were named Small Business of the Year, and Insider Media's Made in the Midlands Awards, where they secured the Export Business of the Year title.
The company was awarded the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade earlier this year, recognising their outstanding export growth and contribution to global trade.
Later this month, Bowers & Jones will attend the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Awards where they are named as finalists for the International Trade Award.
Founded in 1955, Bowers & Jones specialises in the design, manufacture and refurbishment of roll tooling and rolling mill products. Under Jane, Nicola and operations director James Owen’s leadership, the company has navigated both the Covid-19 pandemic and a relocation to their current site on Vulcan Road, Bilston, expanding into new markets and applications.
